Leaders react to death of Nancy Reagan

Area Republican officials, state officials, and members of the Ohio delegation in Washington D.C. are reacting to the news that former First Lady Nancy Reagan passed away over the weekend.

Reagan, the widow of President Ronald Reagan who had made it her life’s work to keep the Ronald Reagan legacy alive, died Sunday morning of congestive heart failure at 94.

“I was deeply saddened,” Scioto County Republican Party Co-chairman Kay Reynolds said. “She was such an unusual individual – very strong and she was so involved with the president (Reagan). She was just a very very special individual.”

Response also came from around the state of Ohio.

“Fran and I were sad to learn that Nancy Reagan has died. Nancy Reagan used her position as First Lady to encourage our kids to just say no to drugs, which is a message that remains relevant today,” Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine said. “Her love for President Reagan was steadfast, unconditional, and provided him with unfailing support. He said often said that his life began when he met Nancy. While we mourn her loss, and express our sympathy to her children and grandchildren, we take comfort that the Reagans are reunited in heaven.”

The reaction came as swiftly as the news came out from the nation’s capitol.

“Nancy Reagan lived a storybook life that took her from Hollywood to the White House, from actress to First Lady and devoted public servant. Her devotion to our country, and to her husband, was extraordinary, and I was so honored that I had the opportunity to meet her,” U.S. Senator Rob Portman said. “With CARA (Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act) on the Senate floor this week, I would like to acknowledge her significant contributions in the struggle to end drug abuse and addiction. She was a true leader on this issue, and I have no doubt that her focus on education and prevention, as well as treatment and recovery, helped save many Americans from the disease of addiction. Jane and I extend our condolences to the Reagan family.”

Reagan, who died at her home in Los Angeles, will be buried at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California, next to her husband.